Have comments on PPL's rate hike? You can now phone 'em in

In 2012 — the last time PPL wanted a rate increase — the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission held public hearings in five cities throughout the utility's sprawling service area.

There wasn't much difficulty finding a seat. The meetings averaged fewer than six spectators and three comments.

"It is a challenge to get people to an in-person hearing," PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen said.

This time, to make commenting easier, customers with concerns about PPL's rate hike request will be able to phone them in.

In March, PPL filed a $167.5 million rate hike that would increase bills for residential customers by 3.9 percent, or about $10 per month.

Instead of traveling around the state for five far-flung in-person hearings, the PUC will hold just three hearings on PPL's latest request. It will hold two "smart hearings" at its offices in Harrisburg on June 2 and a traditional hearing at 6 p.m. June 4 at Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

The difference with the smart hearings, which the PUC is testing, is that customers won't have to attend either meeting to offer their two cents.

They can simply phone them into the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from the comfort of their own homes. Not only that, if they're interested in hearing about the proposed hike and everyone else's concerns, they don't even have to leave their kitchen table, because the hearings will be broadcast over the Internet via live stream on the PUC's website.

PPL Utilities is happy to play the role of guinea pig if it means better engaging the public, spokesman Paul Wirth said.

"It's much like anything we are involved in a PUC proceeding on," Wirth said. "We are in favor of getting as much comment into the process as possible. We support the PUC's decision to try this as a way to improve participation."

PPL is a good utility for the pilot program because its territory is so broad, said Tanya J. McCloskey, acting consumer advocate.

Whether the new strategy increases public engagement remains to be seen.

"I think this is wait and see," McCloskey said. "At this point, this is the first one we have tried and I'm sure we will learn a lot of lessons."

PPL provides service to more than 1.4 million consumers in 29 counties, in an area spanning approximately 10,000 square miles.

The two live-streamed hearings will be conducted at 1 and 6 p.m. June 2 at the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. People interested in testifying can do so in person at either meeting, or phone in their comments during the hearings.

Those interested in testifying by phone at either of the two smart hearings must register by May 26 with the Office of Consumer Advocate by calling 800-684-6560.

The traditional hearing at Muhlenberg College, to be held at Seegers Union, does not require preregistration.